According to a recent Snap survey conducted by the Community Associations Institute (CAI) Foundation for Community Association Research, 77 percent of respondents said that pickleball courts in their communities were in “Moderate” or “High” demand.

Out of nearly 700 respondents from 41 states representing at least 10,000 community associations, 36 percent described the usage rate of their local pickleball courts as “High” (courts are in high demand by residents nearly all of the time), while 40 percent said usage rates were “Moderate” (in use on weekends and evenings). The remaining 24 percent of respondents said that their local pickleball courts had “Very Low” or “Low” usage rates (rarely used or always have a court open).

The survey also explored court availability and access.

CAI reported that 31 percent of respondents had dedicated pickleball courts in their communities, and another 37 percent used tennis courts for pickleball play. Twenty-six percent said they had no pickleball courts in their community. Eight percent said their community was in the process of building and/or approving new pickleball courts, while 7 percent said their communities are in discussions about adding pickleball courts.

Of the respondents, 36 percent said there were no pickleball courts in their community; 34 percent indicated they had one to two courts; 19 percent, three to four courts; and 14 percent, five or more courts.

Of the respondents, 65 percent said there were no community plans to expand or add pickleball courts, 9 percent said there were plans and 20 percent said their community was considering it.

Other findings from the Snap survey include the following:

  • Asked whether there are any organized pickleball leagues or tournaments within the community association, 19 percent said they had regular leagues and tournaments, 15 percent had occasional leagues and tournaments and 61 percent said no leagues or tournaments.
  • Asked about restrictions on court use, 26 percent of respondents said courts were restricted to specific hours, 10 percent said reservations were required,and 22 percent said their community court were restricted to certain hours and required reservations. Forty-two percent said their community courts had no restrictions or limitations for use.
  • Asked what their community policy was for allowing non-residents to play pickleball, 18 percent said it was not allowed, 77 percent said they could play with restrictions (e.g., accompanied by a resident) and 5 percent said non-residents could play without restrictions.
  • Asked how satisfied residents were with the current condition and maintenance of the pickleball courts in their communities, 41 percent said they were “very satisfied,” and 25 percent were “somewhat satisfied.”

Photo courtesy ARC Pickleball